The fund has been named after Princess Anne to mark her 70th birthday last August. Princess Royal has been president of Carers Trust since 2012.
Carers Trust said that an ageing population has led to a steep increase in demand for social care in the community and the “need for a properly funded respite support for carers has never been more urgent”.
The fund aims to provide 30,000 carers with grants via Carers Trust’s network of more than 120 local partners.
The Respite Fund For Carers means Carers Trust will be able to significantly increase the number of grants it makes to carers via the Carers Trust’s network of over 120 local partner services.
Chairman of Carers Trust board of trustees, John McLean, said: “As most of us begin to emerge from months of lockdown, many unpaid carers will be staying at home to continue providing round-the-clock care for a loved one without the prospect of even the smallest break.
“They need our support right now, and that is why Carers Trust is launching the Respite Fund, so we can support more carers to have time to themselves and the breaks they both need and deserve.
“On behalf of my fellow colleagues and trustees, I would like to thank Her Royal Highness for her unstinting support which has made the Respite Fund possible.”
Last June, Anne recorded a special message from her home at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire to thank and show support for Carers Week.
